What to Do When Involved in a Traffic Collision

Move your vehicle to the side of the roadway or a safe place if possible (only if there are no injuries).

Exchange information with all parties involved. Each driver must show their driver’s license, current insurance information, and current vehicle registration. Most insurance companies need the parties’ driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company names and policy numbers. The law requires you provide this information to the other party.

If the other party is not present at the scene of the collision (example: hitting a parked car, block wall, fire hydrant), attempt to find the property owner. The Police Department can assist with this. If you can not locate the property owner, leave a written note containing your driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle information as well as a statement regarding what occurred

Contact your insurance company or the police if the damage appears to be over $750.

Report the collision to the DMV within 10 days if the damage is more than $750.

If you leave the scene prior to exchanging the information required, you can be convicted of a “hit and run,” which is a misdemeanor or a felony.

When involved in a traffic collision resulting in an injury or death

Stop the vehicle at the scene.

Render aid to any person injured in the collision (including transporting to a physician or hospital or calling 911 for medical aid).

Contact the police immediately.

Exchange information with all parties involved. This includes driver’s license, current insurance information, and current vehicle registration. This is required by law.

Report the collision to your insurance. You have 24 hours to report the collision if anyone is killed or injured.

Report the collision to the DMV within 10 days. Insurance companies usually report it to the DMV if you contact the insurance company.